YOU know a ride’s good when your kids are prepared to risk waking up a grumpy triceratops to have another go on it.
So there’s no doubt the brand-new Splash Lagoon flume at Paultons Park is going to be a massive hit.
As soon as the screams of excitement from cascading down the giant waterfall and getting a welcome soaking had died down from our first go on it, all our kids could say was: “Again!”
And I wasn’t going to argue.
The latest addition to the brilliant 130-acre Hampshire amusement park — home to Peppa Pig World — is as fun, thrilling and impressive as the huge variety of attractions already on offer.
Surrounding the latest offering in the site’s vast dinosaur-themed Lost Kingdom there’s lush vegetation and several HUGE, scarily life-like Jurassic monsters including a beautiful brontosaurus — and the mighty, if a little bit angry- looking, triceratops.
It took a bit of convincing for our three-year-old daughter to queue up next to the fearsome beast, who appeared to eye us up and down like a sleepy prehistoric bouncer as we waited our turn.
Thankfully, she decided if we weren’t too noisy it would let us pass without too much bother.
A short queue later — a very acceptable 15 minutes on a hot and busy Sunday afternoon in May — and we were boarding our boat.
We were told we would get wet — and they weren’t lying.
The journey starts with a pleasant meander through the wonderfully landscaped rapids — the immaculate greenery throughout Paultons Park will bring nearly as much joy to adults as the rides do to junior adrenaline junkies.
The excitement then literally ramps up as you cruise up a steep track
Suddenly you’re facing the huge drop down, ready to Splash into the Lagoon — then down you goaoaoahhhh!
Big screams and a mighty drop later and you’re back at the bottom, wearing a huge, soppy grin and dripping-wet clothes.
Us adults loved it nearly as much as the kids and we didn’t really care if the triceratops heard us as we ran round to queue up for a second turn.
There would have been at least a third and fourth go, too, if only there wasn’t so much else to do at Paultons.
The Raging River provided more flume fun, and I’ll admit it was pretty scary for someone with a fear of heights, speed, loud noises — and most other things you’ll experience at amusement parks.
We could easily have got lost in the Lost Kingdom all day, while the kids would have been happy to play in the adjacent Percy’s Playground and Water Kingdom for hours with their new-found friends.
Peppa Pig World alone is worth the trip, especially for the smaller ones.
The more genteel rides such as Grampy Rabbit’s Sailing Club and George’s Dinosaur Adventure had both our daughter and five-year-old son squealing with delight
Next to that is the Wild West-themed Tornado Springs — which we promised we’ll bring the kids back to when they’re a bit older (when their mum can take them on some of the roller coasters that I’m never going to go near).
If any park didn’t actually need a new ride, it could well be Paultons
We all braved the brilliant Buffalo Falls — a giant slide that you seem to literally fly down on rubber dinghies and which leaves stunned adult riders saying: “Wow, that was faster than I thought.”
With more than 70 rides and attractions, there is something for all ages at Paultons Park and one day doesn’t do the place justice.
In fact, if any park didn’t actually need a new ride, it could well be Paultons.
But after going on Splash Lagoon, we were very glad that they decided to add one anyway.
PLAYING THERE: Tickets to Paultons Park in Hampshire include access to Peppa Pig World. All children under one metre are free, all visitors over one metre can book online from £43.50pp ( a saving of £15 on the on-the-day price of £58.50).
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